The Valpo Parks Horticulture Campus, located on the former Clifford Stone Property at 2902 Campbell Street, is soon to be under construction again with the north side of the property becoming Valpo Parks’ first dog park. ValPAWraiso Dog Park is an off-leash dog park expected to open in Fall 2019. Fundraising will continue with Paw Print bricks and major gifts contributing to a goal of over $300,000. Currently over $100,000 has been raised with lead gifts from Sandra Detraz, Vale Park Animal Hospital, and John & Janice Hannah. Whether you’re looking to honor your beloved pet or support the animal community, your contribution will be used to help finance the construction and daily operations of this state-of-the-art dog park.

For Emma Paulson, science and math have always been her strongest subjects in school. From problem-solving to gathering an impressive collection of rocks and crystals, she knew she had found her passion.

Shirley Heinze Land Trust announces the ninth annual “Bringing Nature Home” Awards program. The initiative recognizes those who landscape their grounds or yards using plant species that are native to northwestern Indiana. Businesses, institutions, public agencies, landscapers, and home gardeners are eligible. Founded by The Friends of Shirley Heinze, the program takes its name from a book written by native-plant advocate Douglas Tallamy.

The Michigan City Tree Board will be partnering again with NIPSCO this year to give away some trees to residents of Michigan City at the opening of the Michigan City Farmers' Market on Saturday, May 4. Please follow this link: https://energysavingtrees.arborday.org/#Home to reserve a 1-gallon or 3-gallon tree.

Mayor Thomas M. McDermott, Jr. cordially invites Hammond children, ages 6-11, to enjoy the City of Hammond’s Summer Recreation program. The fun will begin June 10 and go through July 12, weather permitting. This five week program will run Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. - noon. Proof of residency is required via a valid IN driver’s license with your Hammond address or a valid State of IN ID. A birth certificate is needed for each child. Registration is available Monday through Friday at the Hammond Civic Center (5825 Sohl) from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm and the Jean Shepherd Community Center (3031 J.F. Mahoney Drive) from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. There will be NO onsite registration. Hammond Parks & Recreation is not responsible for any child that is not a registered participant.

The beautiful 22-mile-long Panhandle Pathway stretches from Winamac all the way south to Kenneth. It connects the communities of Star City, Thornhope, and Royal Center along the paved surface.

The trail, once a part of a former Pennsylvania Railroad corridor, has a rich history that continues to develop as others make it a place to grow and play.

It’s important for communities to remember that trails don’t just show up, or their preservation isn’t a natural process. Trails require hard work and collaboration. John Bawcum, president of the Panhandle Pathway, is a focal component of the creation of the Pulaski County Community Development Commission, the group that encouraged the installation of the Panhandle Pathway.

“We started as a group back in 2005 and immediately started working on the trail. It’s...

The Michigan City Parks & Recreation Department announces that beginning Mon, April 1, Washington Park 2019 parking stickers will be issued at the North Pointe Pavilion in Washington Park, 6 on the Lake, Michigan City, IN 46360. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 9 am-4 pm (excluding holidays), and on Saturdays from 9 am-12 noon beginning May 4th through July 27th.

Indiana Parks & Recreation Association honored award winners from around the state Wednesday, February 20, 2019 at its annual conference in French Lick, Indiana. Valpo Parks received the Exceptional Park Design Award for Tower Park and the Leaders Giving Back Campaign. The Tower Park renovation began with lead gifts by Valpo natives Robbie Hummel and Jeff Samardzija and the Samardzija family, along with Purdue standout basketball player Brian Cardinal, and Purdue Community Hoops.

Congressman Pete Visclosky (D-IN-1), Congresswoman Jackie Walorski (R-IN-2), and U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-IN) are pleased to announce that the 61st National Park in the United States and the first National Park for the state of Indiana is the Indiana Dunes National Park.